Food Allergy Mimicking Pylorus Hypertrophy

Food allergy (FA) is a disease with increasing prevalence and a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. These include the eosinophilic disorders, which can involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including the stomach. In this context, three patients with a confirmed diagnosis of food allergy, who were initially diagnosed with pyloric hypertrophy, are presented. All cases showed an adequate response to nutritional management. It is essential to consider food allergy, such as eosinophilic gastroenteritis, as part of the differential diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction in those patients who present vomiting secondary to pyloric hypertrophy.

Milk protein IgG and IgA:The association with milk-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in adults

AIM:To study the association between serum levels of milk protein IgG and IgA antibodies and milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.METHODS:Milk protein IgG and IgA antibodies were determined in serum samples of 400 subjects from five outpatient clinics in Southern Finland.Subjects were randomly selected from a total of 1900 adults undergoing laboratory investigations in primary care.All 400 participants had completed a questionnaire on abdominal symptoms and dairy consumption while waiting for the laboratory visit.The questionnaire covered the nature and frequency of gastrointestinal problems,the provoking food items,family history and allergies.Twelve serum samples were disqualifi ed due to insuff icient amount of sera.The levels of specif ic milk protein IgG and IgA were measured by using the ELISA technique.The association of the milk protein-specific antibody level was studied in relation to the milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms and dairy consumption.RESULTS:Subjects drinking milk(n=265) had higher levels of milk protein IgG in their sera than non-milk drinkers(n=123,P<0.001).Subjects with gastrointestinal problems related to milk drinking(n=119) consumed less milk but had higher milk protein IgG levels than those with no milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms(n=198,P=0.02).Among the symptomatic subjects,those reporting dyspeptic symptoms had lower milk protein IgG levels than non-dyspeptics(P<0.05).However,dyspepsia was not associated with milk drinking(P=0.5).The association of high milk protein IgG levels with constipation was close to the level of statistical signif icance.Diarrhea had no association with milk protein IgG level(P=0.5).With regard to minor symptoms,flatulence and bloating(P=0.8),were not associated with milk protein IgG level.Milk protein IgA levels did not show any association with milk drinking or abdominal symptoms.The levels of milk protein IgA and IgG declined as the age of the subjects increased(P<0.004).CONCLUSION:Milk protein IgG but not milk IgA seems to be associated with self-reported milk-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in Children With Atopic Dermatitis

The diagnosis of food allergy in clinical practice has not been standardized,and food allergy is overdiagnosed in patients with atopic dermatitis(AD).This overdiagnosis of food allergy leads to unnecessary elimination diets that may exert potential adverse effects on the health of children with AD.Unlike classic IgE-mediated food allergy,food allergy in patients with AD may manifest as non-eczematous reactions,isolated eczematous reactions,or a combination of these reactions.The diagnosis of food allergy in children with AD should be made based on a thorough clinical history(detailed allergic history and feeding history),clinical manifestations,and laboratory workup including skin prick testing,serum specific IgE measurement,atopy patch testing,and oral food challenges.Once an underlying food allergy is confirmed in a patient with AD,comprehensive management is generally recommended.Avoidance of the food allergen is the main treatment approach,but there is a need for regular clinical follow-up,including evaluation of the nutritional status and supervision of growth and development.Multidisciplinary cooperation between dermatologists,nutritionists,and pediatricians is required.